Warning: If you get emotionally invested in your Asian dramas - install a acrylic panel in front of your TV or, computer screen before you start watching this. The way the writers handled this story and its characters - you may find yourself throwing things at the screen when the bad people keep getting away with everything they do. Or, keep trying to manipulate your favorite characters.

Better than most Chinese dramas. I thought they spent some major bucks on this one until I started seeing them use the same stock shots/scenes over and over. Basically, time filler while they make you listen to the soundtrack. Gotta stretch 16 episodes of story into 30! I guess if you think of this as more soap opera and less drama - you will be more patient.

While some dramas have made the food another character, this one keeps food as a backdrop. It is discussed as if it is important to everyone but, while we do learn some things as the too many episodes plod along - we just watch people cut, prep, cook and eat while they go through the motions. There are some amazing moments between the main characters when he is teaching her. He is such a good actor and so into the part, you can see how she falls for him through these cooking lessons. I still wish the food was more than something to be judged and consumed. Compare to Bite Me where food scenes were sensual, gorgeous and presented to be as important as the characters themselves.

I agree with some of the other reviews that this story has too many bad people getting away with what they've done. I figured out the main evil person (who cares why she is doing it) so early that I've grown frustrated with the revelations and hoping/waiting for her to get hit by a bus. At least in The K-2 we see the villain have to take responsibility for all the evil he has done - by his own hand - and, accepts it.

After 25 episodes, I have finally stopped yelling at the TV "Stab her in the heart." every time Elise has screen time. Why does this pyscho not get anything coming to her. The Chinese society is very well known for corruption and letting money talk but, you don't see any of that here. In fact, evil is glorified unless you are a small business. Use food additives to your fish? You are going to jail. Poison, embezzle, steal, lie, cover up, coerce - you're fine. In fact - we'll reward you!!!

Love the main characters and a couple of the side stories. This was clearly made to be a travelogue type story for the upcoming Olympics. Get people interested in visiting the area and trying all the different kinds of food. It takes time to get used to Song Zu Er - she can be quite annoying and immature - her growth takes much longer than traditional Asian dramas - she seems to backslide into the childish realm a bit too often - petty. Ethan Juan is at his best at both when he is in control and when he is most vulnerable. The in-between stuff gets a bit messy. Loved the main characters interactions when they were just normal and their guards were down.

I'll stick with it through all the episodes but, I am starting to fast forward through the time filler stuff so, I can focus on the main stories. I don't care if a character has to look at outfits and pick out products for 20 minutes. I get that you want us to believe they have an important job. You can do it in five minutes. LOL Love the side story of the immature heir coming to grips with having to mature. Love seeing his growth and struggle and his fiancé is a perfect casting choice - in today's Chinese society - should she have to put up with him?

Just finished episode 25. Still love the main characters and after reading reviews - I have an idea of what to expect. So, I don't think I will be throwing anything at the TV anytime soon.